Home | Getting Rid of Smells | How to Get Rid of Smell in Carpet After Spill: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Rid of Smell in Carpet After Spill: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate carpet odors easily after spills with this simple, effective E-Cloth guide. Freshen your home step by step.

Title

How to Get Rid of Smell in Carpet After Spill

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Clean, dry towels or paper towels
- White vinegar
- Dish soap (optional)
- Fan (optional, for drying)

Step 1: Blot Up Excess Liquid

Immediately grab a clean, dry towel or paper towels and firmly blot the spill. Avoid rubbing, which only pushes the liquid deeper into the carpet fibers.
If the spill is recent, press down to absorb as much as possible.

Step 2: Pre-Treat with a Homemade Solution

Mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap if you like (optional).
Pour a small amount of the solution onto the identified smelly spot.

Step 3: Let It Sit and Then Blot Again

Allow the solution to work on the stain and odor for about 10–15 minutes.
After waiting, blot the area again with a fresh, dry towel to lift residues.

Step 4: Rinse With Clean Water

Dampen a clean cloth with plain water and gently wipe the area to remove any vinegar or soap leftovers.
This helps ensure no cleaning residue remains to trap odors.

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly

Place a fresh towel over the wet spot and press down, or weigh it down if possible, to pull out the moisture.
If you can, open windows or use a fan to speed up the drying process.

Step 6: Check and Repeat if Necessary

Smells might linger if the spill was deep or particularly stubborn. If the odor persists, repeat the cleaning process.
For really tough smells, consider letting the vinegar solution sit for a bit longer or increasing the number of blotting attempts.

Safety Precautions

Test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area of carpet first to check for colorfastness or damage.
Ventilate the area by opening windows or using fans, especially when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.
Wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation caused by vinegar or dish soap.
Avoid mixing cleaning chemicals—stick to the recommended homemade solution and never combine with bleach or ammonia.
Keep pets and children away from the area until the carpet is completely dry and free of cleaning residues.
Use towels or cloths that are clean and colorfast to prevent dye transfer onto your carpet.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Carpet After Spill: Extra Tips

Immediate Spill Response

Act quickly: Blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain further.
Extract as much liquid as possible: Use a paper towel or cloth to soak up the spill before moving on to cleaning agents.

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Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Sprinkle Baking Soda: Cover the damp area generously with baking soda to absorb odors and moisture.
Apply Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Lightly spray the area, letting the mixture work its magic on lingering smells.
Let it sit: Allow the solution and baking soda to rest for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming.

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Use Carpet Deodorizers

Choose a Reliable Deodorizer: Look for eco-friendly carpet deodorizers that neutralize odors rather than mask them.
Even Application: Disperse the product evenly over the affected area and let it sit as per instructions for best results.
Vacuum Thoroughly: Once the product has done its job, vacuum to remove any residue.

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Maintain Regular Cleaning Schedule

Frequent Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming prevents debris from settling deep into the carpet fibers.
Routine Deep Cleaning: Schedule a deep clean every few months to keep smells and stains from building up over time.
Spot-Cleaning: Address minor spills immediately to avoid more extensive treatments later.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Carpet After Spill

Neglecting High-Touch Surfaces

Many people overlook daily cleaning of high-touch areas like door handles, remotes, and light switches, leading to the spread of germs and buildup of grime.
Ignoring these surfaces can make your space look dirty, even if other areas are clean.
Always include high-traffic spots in your daily wipe-down routine for a truly clean environment.

Letting Clutter Accumulate

Putting off tidying up can cause clutter to pile up quickly, making the task more daunting later on.
Skimping on organization leads to lost items and a messier home, even with regular surface cleaning.
Dedicate a few minutes each day to keeping items in their proper places to maintain order.

Skipping Deep Cleaning Tasks

Many focus only on visible areas and forget deep cleaning spots like behind furniture, under appliances, and baseboards.
Neglecting thorough cleaning allows dust and allergens to linger, diminishing indoor air quality.
Schedule weekly deep cleans to ensure your home stays fresh and healthy year-round.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Carpet After Spill

Immediate and Follow-Up Cleaning

Clean the spill right away—time is of the essence. The longer a spill sits, the deeper the odor-causing residues embed into the carpet fibers.
If any smell persists after the initial cleaning, re-clean the area 24 to 48 hours later to tackle any particles that may have settled.

Regular Maintenance Cleaning

Vacuum the carpet at least once a week. Regular vacuuming helps remove dirt and microscopic particles that can hold odors, especially in high-traffic areas.
Schedule a deep clean every 6 to 12 months. For households or workspaces with frequent spills or heavy use, consider a more frequent deep cleaning to ensure that any hidden residues are thoroughly removed.

Why This Frequency?

Immediate cleaning stops the spread of odor-causing agents, preventing them from settling and hardening into the fibers.
Re-cleaning after 24-48 hours helps address any residual mess that wasn’t fully extracted at first, ensuring the carpet stays fresh.
Regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning keep dust, debris, and embedded spills from accumulating, protecting both your carpet’s longevity and your indoor air quality.

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